I have always been a fan of having a single device for basic computing needs. Practically, its not too hard to do this with a Phone in a desktop scenario or a tablet with a keyboard case. an example is the Clamcase for Ipads or the Samsung Dex Dock. For using a phone in a laptop setting, it becomes a little more challenging.

There are two products that seem to have make it to the commercial stage. Those are the Mirabook and Sentio Superbook. These are very promising and useful but they still require a cable connection to the laptop shell. What if we could have this done as wireless or incorporate the phone seamless into the laptop?

Apple did file a patent on this concept over a year ago. Here is an example of how it looks

Find out more on this concept from Apple on Engadget. Considering the Wireless option, we know that Bluetooth is simple for Keyboard and Mouse. It seems then that the display aspects could be the challenge but with Miracast and Chromecast, it should be possible to mirror the display wirelessly to a laptop style device. This means, one could have the phone close by and still be productive as a laptop. Be able to take calls easily without having to unplug the cabling.

The argument could be made that with Laptops so cheap; what is the point of doing this? Well, it's very possible to make this device cheaper than a comparable laptop. For example, the new Iphone Xs just released 9/12/2018, is very powerful and cost roughly US$1000+. Therefore, buying a laptop shell for US$300 or little more could still provide a premium experience much better than a regular $300 laptop. Also in emerging markets, it could also lower the cost to have productive computing capabilities since the prices could be contained.

Alternatively, one could make there own solution using an older laptop shell - See example with Macbook Mod.

Lets hope creativity steps in here. What do you think of this concept?